5 Things to Know About Kooikerhondjes

These dogs may have a funny name, but they are affectionate and have a strong working instinct.

1. Key Characteristics

AKC Groups: Foundation Stock Service; Sporting

Height: 14–16 inches

Weight: 20–40 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14 years or longer

The kooikerhondje is a small sporting dog used to lure ducks into decoys or traps; in fact, the breed is often referred to as the “Dutch decoy dog.”

The nose is black, and the eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped. The large ears may feature black tips (referred to as “earrings”), a genetic feature usually expected if the puppy is born with black hairs on its coat that later shed.

The body frame is square and ends with a feathered, waving tail that is tipped in white. The coat is medium length with either slightly wavy or straight hair. Patches of orange color that may have a reddish tint are evident throughout the lighter coat. Black hairs not shed within the first year may remain and be considered a fault for conformation purposes.

2. Where They Came From

The kooikerhondje’s origins date back to the 1500s, from which old family portraits depict a small hunting dog believed to be the kooikerhondje. The ancestor of the breed is thought to be a spaniel.

The breed was developed to work in duck decoys during the 1600s and trained to weave in and out of duck blinds. Ducks were interested in the weaving behavior and would follow the dogs, who lured them into a pen or trap, after which they were brought to a market.

The duck decoy practice declined in the 19th century, although a few kooikerhondje dogs are still in Holland today for tagging and research purposes. The breed, also believed to be an ancestor to the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, nearly went extinct in the 1930s, but it was revived by Baroness van Hardenbroek in 1939.

The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1966. The American Kennel Club added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service register in 2004.

3. How Friendly Are They?

Kooikerhondje dogs love to be around people. They have been described as:

Additional Resources

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